India has significantly reduced import duties on gold and silver from 15% to 6%, aiming to boost retail demand and combat smuggling in the world’s second-largest bullion consumer.

This move is expected to create a more level playing field for industry stakeholders and potentially increase global gold prices. However, it may also widen India’s trade deficit and pressure the rupee. The decision led to an immediate drop in local gold prices, which could stimulate demand that had been suppressed by record-high prices earlier in the month.